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Scott's Landscaping reports heavy watering and varied daily rates for downtown pots; reservoirs mostly functioning
Summary
Scott's Landscaping updated the West Bend City BID Board on watering frequency, daily charges and reservoir performance for downtown planters; board members discussed budget implications and monitoring.
Scott's Landscaping told the West Bend City BID Board that watering downtown planters has required substantial water use and repeat visits, and that reservoirs installed in some planters are functioning but may not reach all pots.
Scott, representing Scott's Landscaping, said crews began watering about June 17 and typically visit four days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday), adjusting for weekends and farmer’s-market needs. Scott said billing has been near $500 per day for routine visits and that daily water use varies: on typical days crews use 600–1,000 gallons; the first day of work consumed about 2,600 gallons because of hot, sunny and windy conditions.
"We've been doing it, every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or try to do it Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. So 4 days a week," Scott said. He explained that some days require more labor and more water, and that reservoir filling and surface watering both take time.
Carissa, a staff member, told the board the flower baskets will likely be watered through mid-September and that farmer’s-market schedules require some weekend watering. She said estimated costs for August could be roughly $9,000–$10,000 (projected), and that earlier monthly totals were discussed but not precisely specified on the record. Carissa said most reservoirs appear to be working as designed; she noted one tree that looks in poor condition and suggested possible vandalism or public interference as a cause.
Board members asked whether all large pots have reservoirs; Carissa said the newer pots do not all have reservoirs and the big pots do not appear to have tanks. Scott and staff agreed that some manual surface watering is necessary even where reservoirs exist.
The item was presented as an operational update; no formal action or vote was taken. Staff said they will continue to monitor watering needs, costs and plant health and report back at year-end with final cost figures and recommended changes.
Ending: The board characterized the season as experimental and asked staff to include year-end findings in a future meeting packet.
